Shakes Tembani

As a boy, Shakes loved listening to his father’s storytelling, which inspired him to draw from his imagination, preferably cowboys.
Throughout the years, Shakes has completed various certificates and diplomas in art, including a Certificate in Visual Arts from the Community Arts Project and a Diploma in Adult Education from the University of Cape Town. He has participated in several solo and group exhibitions, both locally and abroad and has received commissions for mosaic work in public spaces.

He is known for his stylized and naive technique, using bold and flat colours to create vibrant tension and to celebrate the beauty in everyday life. His art is inspired by his culture, his community and everyday experiences, often focussing on strong female figures and uniformed groups. Shakes wishes to extend his outreach and to give back to the community.

As his contribution towards the Matchbox JAHRESGABE, Shakes has created 30 oil paintings on canvas block frames in the size of 20 × 20 cm.

SHAKES on Instagram